Tipton Canal & Community Festival (born out of an accident)
For many years the Tipton Community Association organised a Bonfire Night in Tipton. In 2007 this event was cancelled due to an unlucky incident the year before when a caravan caught fire. Besides the health & safety issues there were also problems with a lack of funding.
To make up for the loss of this well attended event the Tipton Community Association felt the need to fill the gap. The idea of a festival celebrating the Tipton canals and their heritage had been floating about for some time, and in 2008 the Association was lucky enough to secure the only date left in the boaters' calendar for their new venture. The Tipton Canal & Community Festival was born.
The inaugural event was just for one day to test the response of the public and the boaters. Based on the positive feedback received the following festivals have been over two days. Now thousands of guests flock to Tipton every year to attend the Tipton Canal & Community Festival.
Since the beginning this event has gone from strength to strength and is now engulfing the town in and around Owen Street. Positive spin-offs have been:
• The creation of a canal cleaning group called 'Friends of Tipton Cut'
• The installation of overnight moorings at Neptune Health Centre
• The co-operation and involvement of different local and other groups, a perfect example of community empowerment
• Increase of local trade
• Lifting of community spirit
The support from the local community has been tremendous, and local exhibitors and outside visitors alike appreciate the friendly atmosphere.
The next festival will be held on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 September. If you want to know more please refer to www.tiptoncommunityassociation.com.
